It's been unbelievably sunny and warm in Seattle, and last week we were invited over to a friend's for a backyard barbecue. These friends were house-sitting for a couple that owned a fancy grill and we made great burgers, grilled asparagus and a simple salad. It was almost enough to make us want to buy our own barbecue this summer — but not quite.

Because I was a vegetarian for much of my adult life, I'm lousy at cooking meat. So you can probably imagine how lousy I am when it comes to grilling. I always find the thought of getting the perfect temperature and controlling the amount of air coming into the grill more than daunting. I always end up to overcooking the meat, and my butcher sister just looks on with shame wondering how I could go so far afield.

Suffice it to say, we don't own a grill. Each summer, I flirt with the idea of getting one, but always ultimately decide that we don't need it — there are so many delicious things to enjoy outdoors that don't require charcoal. If you're anything like us, here are a few great places to start